The victim's uncle, Andres Valdez, says that his nephew was just trying to save a little girl and her pregnant mother after a fight broke out between two groups outside the market. Valdez leaves behind his longtime girlfriend and their 8-year-old son.

A short distance from the scene, the fleeing suspects were involved in a crash that overturned their vehicle. Police charged 23-year-old Abdul Ward with murder, eluding and multiple weapons offenses. They also charged 24-year-old Arthur Negron with several weapons offenses.